What is a Mala?

So I’ve had a few questions on the beaded necklaces that I wear and have here at Fusion Studio. So I thought I might give you all a little explanation. I know all of this spiritual stuff can be a bit much for those new to Yoga but as you will see on your yoga journey Yogis everywhere are very into wearing symbols of the “peace” they have found in practice. One good article I found explaining Malas is from Yoga Journal. I’ll add a little of it here and if you’re interested you can jump on over to the article by clicking here.

The Meaning In Malas’ Traditional 108 Beads

There are many theories behind the significance of the number 108, which has long been considered a sacred number in Hinduism. Logan Milliken, who designs malas for Silver & Sage jewelry, says she was taught that the number 1 stands for God, the universe or your own highest truth; 0 stands for emptiness and humility in spiritual practice; and 8 stands for infinity and timelessness.

“It offers people a wearable reflection of something in their own journey, so in that way the mala really becomes whatever the wearer intends for it,” she says.

If you’d ever like to get your hands on an actual copy of Yoga Journal to read I am now subscribed and will have them in the studio.

Now I would like to state that fact that you absolutely DO NOT have to be a part of the Hindu religion to have or use a Mala. When people first started asking me what they were I would tell them its like a Yoga Rosary. There is really no religion that has to go along with Mala meditation.

So now that we have talked a little about what a Mala is I would like to go over the process that I use for Mala meditation.

Find yourself a quiet place. Somewhere you feel good and can relax. This can be under a tree in the park, on your back porch in the sun, in your home yoga space, or even in your bed.

Sit or stand in a comfortable position where you can be aware of your breath and physical body.

Chose a mantra. It can be anything that you need it to be. As simple as “I am” or something that is meaningful to you or something that you wish to work on.

Hold your Mala in your left hand starting on the Guru or main bead.

Close your eyes and bring awareness to the gentle flow of your breath. Inhale. Exhale. Slowing your breathing and relaxing into your body. As thoughts come into your mind just let them float right back out.

Holding your Mala between your thumb and middle finger while pointing your forefinger away from your body start by pulling the beads toward you to bring in cosmic energy, reciting your mantra once for each bead. Your forefinger is pointed away from you to help you keep your Ego out of your meditation.

Continue the process bead by bead until you reach the Guru or main bead again.

After completion turn your Mala around 180 degrees and continue another cycle. You can continue to do this as long as you would like to keep meditation. Avoid passing over the Guru bead or main bead as it is symbolically like stepping over one’s teacher.

For a different explanation on Mala meditation you can go to My Mala Necklace and read their how to!